As kids move through grade school, being with peers becomes increasingly important. But when they don’t pick up on social cues that come from body language and expressions, they may start to lose friends and be left out socially. Here’s what trouble with social cues can look like in grade school.

Misses Hand Gestures

At home: Your child interrupts when you’re on the phone, even though you’ve put your finger to your mouth to signal “shush.”At school: Your child is confused by hand gestures teachers use to tell students to “sit” and “stand.”The issue: Kids who have trouble with social cues don’t always understand what gestures like pointing or wagging fingers mean.

Doesn’t Get SarcasmAt home: Your child doesn’t understand that when you say he’s a real “tough guy,” you don’t mean it literally.At school: Your child doesn't understand when a classmate is joking or teasing.The issue: Kids with social cues issues may not realize that how words are spoken can change their meaning. They may miss tones of voice or facial expressions that show the speaker isn’t being literal.

Doesn’t Know When to Stop TalkingAt home: Your child keeps on talking, even when you turn around and walk away to do something else.At school: Your child asks endless questions even when it’s clear the teacher wants to move on.The issue: Kids who have trouble with social cues tend to keep talking even when it’s time to stop. They don’t notice the unspoken signals that people send when they’re tired of listening.

Doesn't Understand the Impact of His WordsAt home: Your child says hurtful things to his siblings but doesn’t understand why they’re upset.At school: Your child speaks inappropriately to the teacher but doesn’t know why he gets a negative response.The issue: Kids with social cues issues may have trouble anticipating how others will react.